Is Ativan Addictive? How Addictive is Ativan?
Ativan is highly addictive, especially when mixed with other drugs. About 60,000 people seek treatment for addiction to Ativan and other benzodiazepines each year. It's likely that millions more struggle with the disease without seeking Ativan addiction treatment. It doesn't matter whether you use Ativan on a recreational basis or with a medical prescription. In either scenario, prolonged use often leads to chemical dependency and addiction.
Ativan--and its generic counterpart lorazepam--is part of a group of drugs collectively known as benzodiazepines. These drugs can be highly effective for treating anxiety in the short-term, but some experts worry that doctors are too eager to hand out benzodiazepine prescriptions. Prolonged use of these drugs, even with a medical prescription, can lead to severe neurological impairment, effectively necessitating Ativan treatment. If you are prescribed Ativan, make sure to talk to your doctor about the relative risks and benefits.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Ativan Addiction?
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of Ativan addiction include:
Taking more than the recommended dose, or using Ativan without a prescription.
Faking medical symptoms to get Ativan.
Feeling like you're not yourself without Ativan.
Using Ativan to self-medicate symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Changes in mood, thinking, concentration, or memory.
Feeling sluggish for much of the day.
Requiring progressively larger doses to get the same high you once got with a lower dose.
Am I Addicted to Ativan?
You don't have to exhibit dozens of addiction symptoms to be an addict. Many addicts don't want to accept that their lives have become unmanageable or "need" Ativan to feel "normal." Consequently, the best way to assess whether you're an Ativan addict is to stop taking it.
Of course, if you have a medical prescription, talk to your doctor before quitting Ativan. If doing so feels impossible or results in intensely unpleasant side effects, you're likely already experiencing Ativan dependency.
Ativan Addiction Treatment
If you're worried that you don't have the willpower to overcome Ativan cravings, you may want to consider inpatient Ativan addiction rehab, which blends a safe and sober living environment with therapy, 12-step groups, activities to keep your mind off of your addiction, and medical care.
If you can't afford inpatient Ativan rehab or want to continue living at home, intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs blend the comprehensive treatment of rehab with the chance to go home at the end of each day. If you need more help with life after rehab or want to connect with our Ativan addiction rehab at United Recovery Click here for more details.